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Statement from Tim J Smith, Tesco Group Technical Director

Today we have withdrawn from sale a product which has tested positive for between 2-5% horsemeat. The product is a frozen Tesco Simply Roast Meatloaf 600g.

Statement from Tim J Smith, Tesco Group Technical Director:

"Today we have withdrawn from sale a product which has tested positive for between 2-5% horsemeat. The product is a frozen Tesco Simply Roast Meatloaf 600g. The product tested was manufactured between October 2012 and January 2013 at Eurostock in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. Tests on 15 other lines from the same manufacturing site were clear of horsemeat. Our investigation to thoroughly understand the source of the contamination has started and we will complete our investigation before deciding whether to continue using the supplier.

"As part of our new DNA testing programme we have now tested more than 500 products identified as being most at risk of containing horsemeat. This is the fourth Tesco-branded product to have tested positive.

"We are very sorry that we have had a further product which has failed to meet the high standards we and our customers expect.

"Full details of the Tesco-branded products, our testing programme and our pledge to improve our supply chain can be found on www.tescofoodnews.com"

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on 01992 644645 Tesco is the UK's largest retailer and one of the world's leading international retailers. Tesco has more than 6,000 stores worldwide, employing almost 520,000 people in the 14 countries in which it operates. Our core purpose is to create value for customers to earn their lifetime loyalty. Our success depends on people: the people who shop with us and the people who work with us.